Area briefs

Published 1:18 pm, Monday, October 19, 2009

Malloy, Bysiewicz even in fundraising

Candidates and potential candidates for governor in 2010, including Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, a Democrat, announced Tuesday how much money they have raised as of the Oct. 10 campaign finance filing deadline.

Fundraising totals were unavailable for Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who is considering a re-election bid; Sen. Gary LeBeau, D-East Hartford, who is exploring a run; and for former Speaker of the House James Amann, D-Milford, the only declared candidate.

Stamford parents, teachers and administrators shared feedback -- much of it positive -- and discussed the future of the district's middle school reform initiative at an Oct. 5 meeting of the Middle School Advisory Council, according to reports the district released.

This fall, for the first time, sixth-grade students were placed in one of two ability groups -- down from three to five -- for their core subjects. Placement also became more flexible, and students now take part in a non-academic advisory class.

Council members reported a smooth transition, positive feedback from parents, a reduction in discipline problems and more engaged students. Some also questioned whether the changes went far enough, and worried that class work might be "dumbed down" as a result of reduced grouping. Multiple members mentioned class size as a potential problem. Enrollment statistics, finalized Oct. 1, have not yet been released by the district.

While dissatisfaction with existing middle school structures, which are blamed for isolating students, minorities and the disadvantaged, in lower groups and keeping them there, seems to be widely held, plans to reduce academic grouping have drawn criticism from those who feel kids' needs have not been met.

To see the reports, go to blog.stamfordadvocate.com/stamford411/.

Police officer

granted probation

An Orange police officer charged in Norwalk with driving while under the influence was granted a court diversionary program that will wipe away the charge if successfully completed.

Robert Cafaro, 34, of Orange, was granted the alcohol education program by Judge Maureen Dennis at state Superior Court in Norwalk Tuesday. Cafaro was arrested at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 15 after he had been told by police not to drive, Senior Assistant State's Attorney Suzanne Vieux said in court.

Prior to his arrest, Cafaro had been seen by police officers urinating on the sidewalk. After agreeing with police not to drive, officers watched him start the vehicle and drive forward, before he was stopped and arrested, Vieux said. He failed the field sobriety test.

Dennis told Cafaro he has a year to successfully complete 15 alcohol education sessions, the maximum number allowed in the program. If he completes the program successfully, his DUI charge will be dismissed.

Car stolen, torched

by arsonist

Stamford police are investigating the arson of a stolen 2005 Saab 9.3 found burning on the baseball diamond at Turn of River Middle School shortly after midnight Monday, police said.